"This conviction sends a strong message to the community, and to building owners, on the importance of complying with the Ontario Fire Code," says Chief Fire Prevention Officer Ted Posadowski.

The Corporation of Q & Sons Management Inc. owns Fairfield Manor Retirement Residence East and West, two retirement homes that were ordered closed by Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) in September 2018, after being deemed unsafe for residents.

The charges against the Corporation of Q & Sons Management Inc. were focused around the building's fire safety plans, failure to produce training records, failure to provide sufficient supervisory staff, failure to provide trained supervisory staff, wedged open fire doors, and numerous other contraventions. Additionally, the Corporation was convicted of failing to comply with an inspection order.

The director, Mr. Muhammad Asif Qazi, was found guilty of violating 23 Fire Code violations and sentenced to six months jail time. Fines and court costs for the corporation totalled $212,615.